Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance available to help the provision of an autistic spectrum disorder unit in the case of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44560/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

I have arranged for the matter raised in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.